Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT)
This wiki page summarized some of the environmental topics and organizations relevant to Watershed Issues on the Central Coast of California . By and large, the summaries and information listed below are an outgrowth of the ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems class at CSUMB.
Contents
Summary
The Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) is a private non-profit located in the Monterey, California. The trust promotes conservation of land and water in California's Central Coast Region and has protected approximately 40,000 acres of land as of 2016. [1]. The organization also manages ~17,000 acres [2] conservation easements, and partners with land owners to maintain the natural resources and prevent development in perpetuity. The land trust envisions cooperative and mutually beneficial management of land resources that support a vital community and natural environment. The land trust provides numerous benefits to the local community in the form of recreational space, educational opportunities, and hands on land stewardship. Additionally, BSLT has been a leader in the restoration of Carmel River Lagoon and influential in the progress of the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (Carmel River FREE) Project.
Location
Big Sur Land Trust headquarters are located in central Monterey. In general, the organization manages properties located within Monterey County [3]. The most northern properties are Vierra Ranch and Rancho Colinas and are located in the foothills of the Gabilan Mountains. The southern limit of the BSLT properties is Circle M Ranch and is located near Lucia,CA on the Big Sur Coast.
History & Founders
In 1978, the Big Sur Land Trust was formed by seven families who envisioned the preservation of the iconic Big Sur landscape for the benefit of future generations. [4]. Nancy Hopkins served as BSLT's first president. She was succeeded by Zad Leavy who served as executive director for 25 years. [4]. David Packard[4] and several others[5] helped the land trust purchase the first property,a 3,000 acre ranch located south of the Big Creek Reserve. Purchase of Circle M Ranch was a pioneering example of community collaboration to successfully protect and preserve natural resources.
Mission & Organization Structure
Big Sur Land Trust seeks to connect the community to the land, and promotes conservation of treasured landscapes unique to Central California.[2]. BSLT achieves this mission by providing various opportunities to engage with nature through the development of land conservation projects, establishment of green infrastructure and the protection of working landscapes[2]. In 2013, BSLT began development of summer nature camps to teach youth in the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas Valley communities the value of natural spaces. Summer camps aim to inspire future generations of land stewards[2]. BSLT believes sustainable land stewardship can be enhanced by increasing the opportunities available for the community to connect with nature; many of the land management projects led by the organization reflect this ideal. Stewardship projects led by BSLT include river restoration, wildfire prevention, and wildlife corridor protection.
Prior to 2013, BSLT's mission was to conserve significant lands and waters of California's Central Coast, and primarily focused on purchasing land for conservation in perpetuity. However, due to the economic constraints from increasing property values and decreasing public agency budgets, BSLT reprioritized their goals to make a broader impact. A refocused mission has allowed BSLT to continue to impact preservation of wild lands under changed conditions. [6]
Board of Trustees
As of 2015, The BSLT Board had 16 board members. The board includes 12 trustees and four administrative roles: board chair, co-chair, treasurer, and secretary. The board is supported by a 10 memeber advisory council.[7].
Funding
The BSLT receives support through memberships, private donations, and public conservation funds. Recently, BSLT secured grants for the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement[8] project and the Carr Lake Project[9].
Partnerships
BSLT collaborates with numerous governments and community partners to achieve its mission. As property values have continued to rise in California's Central Coast Region partnerships have become essential to mission success. Principle partners include the Nature Conservancy, Monterey County Regional Park District and California Natural Resource Agency. BSLT has collaborated with numerous other state, federal, and community partners to to conserve the lands and waters of central California. More information about these partners can be located on the BSLT partnership page[10]
Land Acquired and Managed
The Big Sur Land Trust uses three key methods to promote land conservation and improve natural spaces.
Land Ownership
The table below summarizes major acquisitions of the BSLT. The information was complied using the landscape map available on the BSLT webpage and other sources [11].
| Property Name | Estimated Acreage | Location | Year Acquired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circle M Ranch | 3,040-acre | Lucia,CA | 1978 |
| Glen Deven Ranch | 860-acre | Big Sur | 2001 |
| Marks Ranch | 816-acre | Near Toro County Park ( HWY 68) | 2007 |
| Mittledorf Preserve | 1,057-acre | Santa Lucia Foothills | 1990 |
| Arroyo Seco Ranch | 1,675-acre | Greenfield | 2007 |
| Various Conservation Easments | ~17,000-acre (total) |
- Arroyo Seco Ranch [12] Arroyo Seco Ranch is the future site for environmental education and recreation programs. BSLT is coordinating a conservation grazing program to utilize the resources of the property responsibly. Unique and endangered species located on Arroyo Seco Ranch include the sycamore alluvial woodland forest, California red-legged frog, and steelhead trout. The Arroyo Seco River flows through the property and has been prioritized for steelhead habitat restoration.
- Circle M First property purchased by BSLT in 1978.
- Glen Deven Ranch[13] Location for the summer youth nature camps and artist in residence programs, Glen Deven Ranch is set in the heart of the Big Sur Landscape. It is surrounded by iconic central coast grassland and woodland landscapes; the coastal rivers and wildlife thrive in this protected environment and offers members and visitors the opportunity to experience a pristine coastal ecosystem.
- Marks Ranch[14] Previously a bustling egg production farm, Mark's Ranch is now a gathering location for Salinas and Monterey peninsula families to safely enjoy the outdoors. BSLT transferred much of the property to Monterey County for incorporation with Toro County Park, and much of the property is accessible through Toro Park Trails. The trust continues to host theatrical and recreational events on the Ranch, and upgrade usable facilities on the property.
- Mitteldorf Preserve[15]The preserve is nestled between Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve(south), Palo Corona Regional Park(north), and Santa Lucia Preseve (east). Mitteldorf conserves a special ecosystem home to the largest redwood trees in Monterey County. It also protects rare madrone, oak woodland, coastal chaparral and grassland habitats. Currently, the trust is developing infrastructure for a nature camp and research program on the property.[15]
- Canavarro
- Carmel Point
- Carmel River Songbird Preserve
- Curtis
- Kopp
- Gelbart
- Glen
- Mission Trails
- Murphy
- Notely's Landing
- Odello East
- Owens
- Tor House
Conservation Easements
BSLT protects lands through numerous partnerships and conservation easements. Easements ensure the protection of resources found on allocated properties and prohibit land development in perpetuity. BSLT and land owners agree donated lands will be managed under terms reflective of conservation values and intentions of both parties.
| Easements | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Acreage | ||
| Addleman | 285[16] | ||
| Dorrance | 4,300[17] | ||
| Harkins | |||
| Horse Pasture | 160[16] | ||
| Mule Creek Canyon | |||
| Patterson St. Lucia | |||
| Patterson Mayor | |||
| Patterson Lime Creek | |||
| Rancho Colinas | 1,110[18] | ||
| Vierra Ranch | 965[18] | ||
| Violini | 3,200[17] | ||
More information about conservation easement in general is explained in the page by The Nature Conservancy.
Land Transfers
BSLT collaborates with state and regional agency's and other conservation partners to acquire lands from private sellers. Many lands purchased or donated to BSLT are transferred to regional park districts or federal land management agencies for the benefit of the public. Partnerships such as this facilitate mutually beneficial and cooperative relationships between citizens and land managers. Listed below are lands BSLT has helped to acquire. Transfer names indicate the park or property the lands were incorporated into.
Whisler Wilson Ranch ( 317- acre)- BSLT purchased the property in 2010[19] and sold the property to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District for $4 million in 2013. The property spans the East side of Hwy 1 from Carmel to Pt. Lobos and connects Palo Corona Regional Park to Point Lobos Ranch. [20]
| Land Transfers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Name | Acreage | ||
| Ewoldsen | |||
| Granite Rock Dunes | 51[21] | ||
| Henry Miller Library | |||
| Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve | |||
| Kent | |||
| Long Valley/ Elkhorn Slough Foundation | 4,260
( with the Nature Conservancy)[22] | ||
| Mill Creek Redwood Preserve | ~1,534 [23] | ||
| Monterey State Beach | |||
| Palo Corona Ranch | ~10,000 (with partners)[24] | ||
| Point Lobos Ranch | ~1,312[19] | ||
| Prentiss | |||
| San Carlos Beach Park | |||
| Toro County Park | ~737[25] | ||
| Zmudowski State Beach | |||
Summary of Previous Work
Carmel River Parkway
The Carmel River Parkwayproject is a conservation plan the seeks to restore and enhance the Carmel River ecosystem. Development of a recreational trail to connect the lower Carmel Valley to upper reaches of the watershed is a major component of the plan. [16] Establishment of a trail network provides community members a safe place to recreate and promotes the connection of community and nature. The South Bank Trail section has been completed and the Hatton Canyon Trail near Hwy 1 has received funding.
| Trails | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Length | ||
| Lower Hatton Trail | |||
| South Bank | 1.5miles | ||
- South Bank Trail: Located in Carmel Valley on the south bank of the Carmel River, the South Bank Trail is a 1.5 mile ADA accessible pedestrian and bicycle path. It begins at Palo Corona Regional Park and continues to Quail Lodge. The project was funded in part by a $1.2 million grant from the California Resource Agency River Parkways Program, and was designed by the County of Monterey. [26] It is an integral part of the Carmel River Parkway vision plan.
- Hatton Canyon Trail: A trail from the top of Carmel Hill will connect with the Camel River Trail System at Carmel Valley Road[16]
Other Projects
Palo Corona Regional Park Project: In collaboration with Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks, BSLT developed 4.5 miles of multi-use recreational trails and restored four acres of riparian habitat.[27] The park plan aimed to establish a visitor access and land management plan.[16] Management issues include:
- Habitat monitoring for Special Status Species such as California Red-legged frogs and California Tiger Salamanders
- Maintenance of healthy grasslands and control of invasive plant species
- Protection of biologically diverse habitats
Moo Land Development:Restoration of three acres of riparian habitat and installations of seasonal pedestrian bridge, two restrooms, and other amenities. [27]
Current Projects
Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (Carmel River FREE) Project seeks to restore the natural hydrology of the Carmel River near the Carmel Lagoon and minimize flood risk. Completion of this project will provide ancillary benefits such as: [28]
- Improved habitat for Steelhead in various development stages
- Increased connectivity between the river channel and floodplain, consequently expanding habitat for many amphibian species
- Restoration of native riparian and wetland plant species
Conversion of Carr Lake to a Multi-Use Park is one BSLT's longest running efforts. Carr Lake is not a lake. It is a 500- acre undeveloped space in the middle of Salinas and is presently dominated by farmland. The city of Salinas, BSLT and other interested parties have been working on a plan to convert the land from farmlands to a community park. In January 2016, BSLT received a grant from California Coastal Conservancy to acquire the land and begin restoration.[9] The park is postulated to provide many benefits to the area such as:
- Improve water quality for streams and rivers flowing into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS)
- Recharge groundwater
- Flood control
- Enhanced wildlife habitat
- Restored native plant populations
- Increased recreational space
- Improved steelhead migration
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 BSLT, Home Page
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 BSLT, FAQ
- ↑ BSLT, Landscapes
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Sam Farr Tribute
- ↑ Big Sur Gazette 1979
- ↑ BSLT, 2013 New Mission
- ↑ BSLT, Trustees
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Coastal Conservancy Funding 2016
- ↑ BSLT, Partners
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 BSLT, Landscapes
- ↑ BSLT, ASR
- ↑ BSLT, GD
- ↑ BSLT, Marks
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 BSLT, Mittel
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Monterey Herald 2008
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 BSLT, Vierra Ranch
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Monterey County Weekly 2012
- ↑ BSLT Whisler-Wilson
- ↑ Monterey County Weekly 2001
- ↑ EHS Cons.Plan 2009
- ↑ MPRPD Mill Creek Purchase
- ↑ MPRPD Palo Purchase
- ↑ Monterey Herald 2012
- ↑ Yuba News
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 BSLT 2014 Grant Agreements
Links
Disclaimer
This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.
